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Women and work: what next?
After months of campaigning, discussion and debate, what is arguably the biggest political event of a generation is almost upon us. With just over two weeks to go until the referendum, Close the Gap launched a new working paper ‘Women and work: What comes next in a post-referendum Scotland?’ at a Constitutional Café event with Engender, Electoral Reform Society Scotland, and Scottish Women’s Aid on Saturday 30 August 2014.The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the implications for women and work in the context of the independence debate, to describe what needs to happen to effect positive change, and to identify the levers that are available in the event of either outcome.
Whatever the outcome of the referendum on September 18th, it is essential the women’s movement comes together and uses the momentum of the debate to progress work around women’s equality. With a view to this, there are three main areas for intervention around employment issues: education and skills, employability, and economic development strategy.
The status quo
In the event of a No vote, there are many levers available to capitalise on the desire for change which has characterised both sides of the independence debate, and further women’s equality as a result.
On education and skills, we could call on the Scottish Government to increase its action on gender stereotyping in our education system. Currently, there are only two initiatives, Be What You Want and Careerwise, specifically working on the issue of gender stereotyping and occupational segregation in schools in Scotland. More needs to be done to build girls’ and young women’s capacity and resilience to choose to study non-traditional subjects across the education lifespan.
On employability, we could call on the Scottish Government to meet its commitment to produce an action plan on gender. Employability programmes must be cognisant of the specific barriers faced by women; funding structures should provide support for childcare, and employability pathways must seek to tackle, not reinforce, gendered occupational segregation. Women returning to the workforce after taking a break to have children or deliver care would benefit from particular support to help prevent downward occupational mobility and ensure their skills are effectively utilised.
Across the broad area of economic development, we could call on the Scottish Government to fully mainstream gender across all of its functions, ensuring this translates into effective action to tackle occupational segregation and the gender pay gap. This could include building capacity within key agencies to provide a gender analysis of skills, and key sector development policy addressing the gendered nature of skills shortages. The economic framing of childcare as infrastructure must be further developed to ensure provision continues to be extended, and to contribute to the discourse around recognition of the economic value of domestic labour.
Independence
The structural change that would take place in an independent Scotland offers the opportunity to see gender equality built in from the outset. Scotland’s Future’s proposal for a written constitution would enshrine state obligations on the advancement of equality and see human rights guaranteed.
The Scottish Independence Bill consultation, which provides the constitutional platform for the government of Scotland following a vote for independence, proposes that a permanent written constitution would be drawn up by an ‘inclusive and participative’ Convention. It is essential the process by which this Constitutional Convention would be established is inclusive and participative in itself, and ensures that gender groups are properly represented within it.
There would also be the possibility to effect structural progress within the new institutions and legislation which would be developed and implemented in an independent Scotland, and to develop a new economic measure which counts the unpaid work that women do.
Post September 19th
There are no guarantees under either outcome. What is guaranteed is that in order for women’s inequality in the labour market to be tackled there needs to be action, not simply a commitment to principles.
Whether in an independent Scotland or as part of the UK, what is needed is major structural reform and widespread cultural change, and this can only be achieved through a root and branch review of systems and policies, the engagement of all stakeholders, and long-term adequately resourced action plans.
Measurable and meaningful targets for tackling gendered occupational segregation, policies which reflect the cross-cutting nature of gender issues, and effective gender mainstreaming, are essential to progress true gender equality within the labour market and the wider economy.
Hard copies of our paper ‘Women and work: What comes next in a post-referendum Scotland?’ are available from acallaghan@stuc.org.uk
RECRUITMENT-Close the Gap
Close the Gap Project – Development Officer – 34 hours
(Fixed Term to 31 March 2016)
The STUC, the body that represents unions in Scotland, is seeking to recruit a Development Officer for Close the Gap, a partnership project with core funding from the Scottish Government. Close the Gap works with employers, economic development agencies, and trade unions to develop and implement strategies to close the pay gap between women and men.
The Development Officer will:
- Work with all Close the Gap partners towards achievement of the project objectives as agreed in the workplan.
- Work to raise awareness of equal pay issues within specific occupational and industrial sectors, providing advice and guidance to stakeholders within the sectors.
- Research and provide gender disaggregated labour market intelligence to stakeholders.
- Build on Close the Gap’s activity with stakeholders in promoting and distributing awareness-raising materials and tools to redress gender inequalities; facilitating training and awareness raising events; and liaising with employers, trade unions, policy makers and others.
- Contribute to the development and dissemination of publications and promotional materials.
- Produce content for the Close the Gap website.
Further details and an application form can be obtained from STUC, by emailing info@stuc.org.uk or download from http://www.stuc.org.uk/about/stuc-vacancies
Closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm Monday 8 September 2014.
Interviews are likely to take place on 16 September 2014.
The STUC welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people and aims to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland
EVENTS: Scotland and UK wide
In this post you will find a selection of up and coming events and programmes relating to gender equality and women's participation in the labour market.
Women in Renewable Energy Scotland (WiRES)
WiRES is a network for women working, or who would like to work, in the renewable energy sector in Scotland. Our aim is to support women's participation in the sector through information, education, and networking opportunities.
Pelamis Wave Power Ltd., Leith, Edinburgh
August 29, 10.00am-1.00pm
We are pleased to organise a site visit for women to Pelamis Wave Power, the world’s most advanced wave energy technology company.
We will hold a presentation/Q&A session, followed by a tour of the facilities, including Control room, Fabrication bay, and Component testing/hydraulics bay.
Please register your interest below. The agenda will be confirmed in due course.
Networking Event
September 25, 12.30pm-2.30pm - Edinburgh
We are delighted that Judith Patten will attend our September event in Edinburgh which will be an opportunity for networking and information sharing in a relaxed atmosphere.
Judith is the founder of All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy event, and winner of Scottish Renewables' Outstanding Contribution award 2012.
Venue and agenda will be confirmed in due course.
ENGENDER
Engender hosts a range of conferences, seminars, round-tables and discussions to explore women’s inequality, and share strategies to challenge it.
Some of events are members only, but all are welcome at their public events.
Gender equality, the referendum and beyond
Scottish Youth Theatre, Forsyth House, 111 Union Street, Glasgow G1 3TA.
August 30, 2014, 10.30 – 12.30
Scottish Youth Theatre, Glasgow
Engender is joining with our friends at Close the Gap, Electoral Reform Society Scotland and Scottish Women's Aid to hold a second 'constitutional cafe' on gender equality and the independence referendum, on 30 August.
Inspiring Women
Inspiring Women events bring Engender members together to consider and discuss feminist issues. They are women only spaces, and give women the opportunity to talk about their own ideas and perspectives.
Inspiring Women: masculinities
September 20, 2014, 11.00 – 13.00
Room 3, STUC, Glasgow
Masculinities and men are not the same thing. Masculinities refer to gender relations, the position of men and how people engage with that position. It is a commonly held belief that masculinity is innate and cannot be changed but there is significant evidence that there are multiple masculinities and that these change over time and that they are subject to influence.
This session gives Engender members an opportunity to reflect on the predominant masculinities in Scotland to day and how feminists can best engage with theories and practice around masculinities.
Only members can book this event. If you are a member of Engender, please sign in now to book.
Inspiring Women: Pornography and new media
The rise of the Internet and increased use of social media has provided millions of consumers with the opportunity to purchase and view pornography almost anonymously, and to share and abuse personal images.
November 15, 2014, 11.00 – 13.00
The Melting Pot, Edinburgh
This session offers an opportunity for Engender members to discuss the implications and consequences of pornography in the digital age.
Only members can book this event. If you are a member of Engender, please sign in now to book.
EQUATE SCOTLAND
Established in 2006, Equate Scotland is Scotland’s expert in gender equality in the fields of science, engineering, technology and the built environment. Based in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Creative Industries at Edinburgh Napier University we work across Scotland in education and employment.
Helping female engineers and their employers realise their full potential
This Autumn: A free three–day Career Enhancement Programme designed for women working in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Teacher Building, 14 St Enoch Square, Glasgow G1 4DB
Day 1: 30 September 10am - 4.30pm
Day 2: 30 October 10am - 4.30pm
Day 3: 26 November 10am - 4.30pm
It provides in-depth career development one day a month over three months, focusing on:
- identifying achievements and strengths
- building skills for effective communication
- unlocking leadership potential
The programme provides opportunities that will benefit both employers and employees from the engineering/advanced manufacturing sectors.
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